Leaders of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are making frantic efforts to bring back Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, after his sudden resignation. The party’s National Secretary, Ude Okoye, led a high-profile delegation to meet with Jandor at his Abuja office barely 48 hours after he quit the party, citing betrayal and a lack of discipline among party elders.
Jandor, who led the Lagos4Lagos Movement and was the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos, announced his exit on Monday. In a statement, his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, disclosed that the PDP leaders pleaded with him to reconsider his decision. “The National Secretary, alongside former National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan and ex-lawmaker Shina Peller, urged Adediran to return to the party,” Ogunleye said.
The move highlights the depth of the crisis within the Lagos PDP, which has struggled with internal conflicts. Jandor’s exit, alongside his supporters from all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos, threatens to destabilize the party’s base in the state. While acknowledging the support from PDP leaders, Jandor maintained his stance, stating that his next political move would be revealed in the coming months.
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The PDP’s effort to woo back Jandor underscores the stakes involved. Political analysts say his resignation could severely impact the party’s chances in future elections in Lagos, where it has been trying to break the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s inability to resolve internal disputes has been a recurring issue, with Jandor citing these problems as a key reason for his departure.
Despite the persuasion, Jandor’s resolve appears firm. “He assured them of his willingness to collaborate with friends in his political journey, despite differences in political alignment,” Ogunleye added.
With Lagos being a crucial battleground, the PDP’s ability to reconcile with Jandor might be pivotal for its prospects in upcoming elections.
